[1] Known for its mobilizing capacity, it advocates for indigenous rights, participates in conflicts over resources, and opposes neoliberal economic policies, which it describes as "the pillage and re-colonization of our country."
Leaders Salvador Zúñiga and Candido Martinez accepted responsibility, defending the action as protesting a history of exploitation of indigenous peoples.
"[4] From 2013, Cáceres led COPINH and the local community in a year-long protest at the construction site of the DESA-backed Agua Zarca hydroelectric dam and project to prevent the companies from accessing the land by the Gualcarque River.
[3] On 15 July 2013, the Honduran military opened fire on the protesters, killing one member of COPINH, Tomás García, and injuring three others, including his 17-year-old son, Alan.
[9][12] After Cáceres was found shot to death at home on March 3, 2016, the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights recommended precautionary measures for COPINH members.
[13] In mid-March, authorities moved to evict a COPINH-led land occupation in Río Chiquito, located in Rio Lindo, Cortés department.
[14] A few weeks later, major international investors, the Netherlands Development Finance Co. (FMO), and FinnFund, announced they would suspend funding for the Agua Zarca project.
[16] On July 8, Secretary of Security Julian Pacheco said that the government had failed to provide adequate protection for Cáceres, who had received death threats.